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This newsletter is written and compiled by
the Greater Naples Fire Rescue District’s News Letter Committee
Greater Naples Fire Rescue District
www.GreaterNaplesFire.Org
Professionalism ~ Integrity ~ Compassion
14575 Collier Boulevard Naples, Florida 34119
239.348.7540
Office of the Fire Chief…….….…1
Office of the Fire Chief………......2
Operations …………..…….……..3
Operations (On Scene)……….… 4
Special Operations….……………5
Logistics Section…….………...…6
Finance Section…….…….……....7
Fire & Life Safety.....…...……… ..8
Planning Section…...………..……9
Health and Safety……………….10
Officer Development.………..….11
In the Holiday Spirit……….…....12
Toy Drive Command……………13
Awards Ceremony………………14
Public Relations………………...15
Feedback from the Community…16
Social Media Outlets……………17
Building New Traditions………..18
Awards & Recognition………….19
Employee Spotlight……………..20
Chaplain’s Corner……………….21
In This Edition
October - December, 2015 Volume 2 – Issue 5
Greater Naples Fire Rescue District
Office of the Fire Chief By: Kingman Schuldt, Fire Chief
Greater Naples Fire Rescue District
- Dedicated to our Community, Our Profession and Each Other -
October - December, 2015 Volume 2 – Issue 5
P. 1Professionalism ~ Integrity ~ Compassion
ith 2015 clearly in our rear view mirror there was much accomplished.
First and foremost, the District celebrated its first anniversary as the Greater
Naples Fire Rescue District on November 4th. The first full year came with
many successes due to the diligence and dedication from everyone in the
organization. New uniforms, apparatus, policies, procedures, collective
bargaining agreement and employee handbook are subtle reminders of the
many hours of work for so many.
W
A significant accomplishment for the Fire District was the development of the strategic plan. This
process incorporates the best vision and forward-thinking of the men and women whose services are
essential to the District’s operations and future growth. The District called upon 30 fire service
professionals and community leaders whose opinions and recommendations assisted in shaping and
focusing the plan. Working with an experienced strategic planning consultant from January through April
2015, this group has articulated the Mission, Vision, Values, and Strategies that were ultimately adopted
and serve as our guiding principles.
Another notable accomplishment was the assumption of management of the Isles of Capris MSTU Fire
District. After many years of discussion with Collier County resulting in too many false starts,
assumptions and disappointments, the District was able to finalize an agreement with County leaders.
This resulted in the current management agreement, leading to a formal pathway to boundary expansion.
Since the management agreement initiated on October 1st, services have been enhanced and former
County employees now have a secure future with a growing and vibrant organization.
One of the most exciting accomplishments during 2015 was the adoption of a Performance Management
platform. This initiative will support enhanced leadership of our supervisors and managers, increase
productivity, moral and communications, and empower our personnel to be the very best. I am extremely
excited about the platform and opportunity for our members and look forward to full implementation in
early 2016.
There has recently been much talk about the future of the Ochopee MSTU Fire District. Last year during
the Isles of Capri negotiations with Collier County it was requested the Fire District provide a plan in
similar fashion for Ochopee. Staff has been working closely with County staff to prepare for formal
discussions to initiate in March of 2016. In preparation for these meetings I have been asked to work with
Broward County on potential funding strategies to support the long-term needs of Ochopee Station 63
(Interstate 75) as well as the Broward Sheriff’s Office Fire Rescue Station located in the eastern portion of
Interstate 75.
Another area of interest to many is the future plans for additional fire rescue facilities and apparatus.
Included in this year’s budget is funding for one additional heavy fire apparatus. Due to the assumption of
services in the Isles of Capri there is a need to purchase a boat. Staff is currently holding regular meetings
with the Boat Committee and conducting sea trials of potential watercraft from around South Florida. Staff
will be assessing several financial options to integrate a boat into the District’s long-range apparatus
replacement program.
P. 2
Greater Naples Fire Rescue District
- Dedicated to our Community, Our Profession and Each Other -
October - December, 2015 Volume 2 – Issue 5
Professionalism ~ Integrity ~ Compassion
(Continued)
Office of the Fire Chief By: Kingman Schuldt, Fire Chief
With the projected growth in the District the Planning Section is conducting
a land use analysis. It will be necessary to prioritize the District’s future
needs including a new fleet and training facilities along with several
potential fire stations in the eastern Golden Gate Estates, Tamiami Trail
East and the Sable Palm areas for example.
In closing, we had a very successful 2015 and I am certain 2016 will bring
many more accomplishments and exciting times for our great organization.
It is because of our Values of Professionalism, Integrity and Compassion demonstrated by each of our
members, we are able to provide the most effective services to the Greater Naples Community. Our future
is bright and I am grateful for all that we have and what we have accomplished thus far.
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR FIRE DISTRICT CHAPLAIN
Reverend G. L. Strom (Pastor Jack) was appointed as District Chaplain this
past December.
Reverend G. L. Strom, or Pastor Jack as he likes to be called, has lived in the
Naples area with his wife Barb since 2002. Pastor Jack is a current resident
of the fire district and serves the Living Waters Church of Estero & Naples,
where he presently functions as Care Pastor.
Since entering clergy service in 1963, Pastor Jack has served as a pastor and educator. Pastor Jack’s most
recent assignment was President of the Trinity Bible College in Ellendale, North Dakota. He has also been
effective as a Strategic Initiative Planner for churches and para-church organizations across the nation.
Serving as a mentor and a Life Coach has also become a key part of Jack's identity.
In his various roles of service, Pastor Jack has faced many challenges in his leadership assignments. This
has often been through crises management in the organizations he was called to assist. It has caused him to
focus on the needs of the community and especially the crises in the individual lives of the people who
most directly were affected.
When asked if he would accept the position of becoming our Chaplain and assist the Greater Naples Fire
Rescue District fulfill its Mission and Values, Pastor Jack did not hesitate. Since adopting the fire district
Pastor Jack has attended numerous events including the family Christmas party, toy drive and Push Back
ceremonies for the new apparatus.
Having affiliation with a Pastor serving as our Fire District Chaplain is an extremely important component
to build a strong support network for our personnel, organization and community during times of need. We
are extremely pleased to have Pastor Jack and Barb as members of our GNFD family and look forward to
his contributions to the fire district, our members and the community we serve.
Operations Section By: Nolan Sapp, Assistant Chief
Greater Naples Fire Rescue District
- Dedicated to our Community, Our Profession and Each Other -
October - December, 2015 Volume 2 – Issue 5
P. 3Professionalism ~ Integrity ~ Compassion
s we go into the New Year we put behind us the first full year as a new Fire
District under the new name, new apparatus, new patch and many other firsts.
It’s been a new year with a new Collective Bargaining Unit Agreement and
combined Operating Guidelines, Policies and Administrative Handbook. We
also added an additional Station and response level with the addition of EN90
and Boat 90. Some changes were great while some take time to adjust to. In
the end, the changes will make us a stronger more professional organization.
A
The new apparatus have been a huge success with both the District and the citizens we serve. We have
participated in several functions where we were able to have hundreds of contacts with the general public.
The requests to see the personnel and the apparatus increases each year demonstrating that we are a success
with the community. Comments back show the pride they have with their Fire Rescue District which make
us all proud.
The addition of Ladder 21 has increased the capabilities of the District in the South Battalion. Although not
put to the test, we stand ready for the challenge when it comes. Station 75 has transitioned into a full engine
response capable station from its early start as a two person Rescue Company. Engine 75 went into service
mid-December, the station now operates with three personnel. These changes only makes us stronger, and
provides improved service to the public.
The District enjoyed a busy Holiday Season starting in October doing Trunk or Treat in the Community
Parks on Halloween and Local 2396 participating in another successful turkey drop to those in need in the
community. Then as Christmas approached, we expanded two huge projects District wide; the Toy Drive,
and the Christmas Eve Candy Cane Drive. Director Bishop and Battalion Chief Krajewski again pulled off
flawless events. Both were a great success thanks to the two of them and the many personnel who gave of
themselves on and off duty.
We go into a new year with new
challenges and opportunities. We have
additional apparatus on the way
including the new Ladder 72 which
will also be on display at the Florida
Fire Chief’s Conference this January in
Daytona. Once it makes an
appearance there, we will receive it so we can move forward with training and placement into service. The
new Light and Air truck will arrive shortly after the new ladder truck and will go into service as Squad 72.
Both units will have a “Push Back” ceremony much like the previous units that went into service this past
year. This time honored tradition will continue to commemorate years gone by when horse drawn
apparatus were pushed into the station.
The new Greater Naples Fire Rescue District and its personnel moves into a new year with a new vision
and mission statement. Let’s do so in a safe and professional way.
P. 4
Greater Naples Fire Rescue District
- Dedicated to our Community, Our Profession and Each Other -
October - December, 2015 Volume 2 – Issue 5
GREATER NAPLES FIRE RESCUE
Station 204798 Davis Blvd.Naples, FL 34104239.774.4511
Station 21 11121 Tamiami TrailNaples, FL 34113239.774.1700
Station 224375 Bayshore Dr.Naples, FL 34112239.774.9342
Station 236055 Collier Blvd.Naples, FL 34114239.793.3332
Station 242795 Airport rd.Naples, FL 34105239.263.2266
Station 704741 Golden Gate PkwyNaples, FL 34116239.348.7547
Station 71100 13th St. SWNaples, FL 34117239.348.7550
Station 723820 Beck Blvd.Naples, FL 34112239.774.9342
Station 7314575 Collier Blvd.Naples, FL 34119239.348.7508
Station 754590 Santa Barbara Blvd.Naples, FL 34104239.207.1630
Station 90 175 Capri Blvd Napes, FL 34113239.394.8770
Professionalism~ Integrity ~ Compassion
ON SCENE
P.5
Greater Naples Fire Rescue District
- Dedicated to our Community, Our Profession and Each Other -
October - December, 2015 Volume 2 – Issue 5
Professionalism ~ Integrity ~ Compassion
Special Operations
Special OperationsBy: Andy Krajewski
Battalion Chief
This will be an exciting new year for Special Operations within the Fire
District. The District has supported and assigned Assistant Team
Coordinators for each of the teams- Dive, Hazardous Materials, Technical
Rescue, and MERT. New team members have been added to the District’s
Dive and Hazardous Materials teams. MERT operations is a new concept
to the majority of personnel of the district and we look forward to the
training and learning curve. This past year, personnel took part in the
water training with the United States Coast Guard and the other agencies county-wide involved in MERT.
A Watermanship test was also conducted for those interested in becoming MERT members. These are just
the initial steps into becoming effective and efficient participants in MERT Operations. We also look
forward to the members of the former Isles of Capri providing the District with valuable experience and
understanding of the MERT program county-wide.
This past March our Technical Rescue and Hazardous Materials teams participated in a State-wide annual
training event called SoFLex 2015. This was a fantastic learning experience for our teams and we were
given very positive feedback at the State level. We look forward to the opportunity to participate in
SoFLEx 2016. In keeping with that theme, our team coordinators have been working diligently to put
together a vigorous training schedule which will include training with other agencies county-wide. This
will not only spur better communications among teams at a county level but also enhance the skills of our
team members.
Greater Naples Fire Rescue District
- Dedicated to our Community, Our Profession and Each Other -
October - December, 2015 Volume 2 – Issue 5
P. 6Professionalism ~ Integrity ~ Compassion
Logistics Section By: Rob Low, Deputy Fire Chief
he first of the sixteen Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives developed by the
National Fallen Firefighter Foundation, is cultural change. “It reflects the
collective perception of right and wrong, good and bad, or desirable and
undesirable actions and characteristics. The safety culture within a fire
department is reflected through its members’ behaviors, attitudes and actions in
and out of the station as well as on the fire ground”.
T
During my first five months as your Logistics
Section Chief, I have taken the opportunity to
assess our culture, operations, and practices as
they relate to our fleet, facility, information
technology, and supply management programs and
have witnessed firsthand the level of dedication
and commitment by all. Presented with aging
facilities, apparatus, and equipment, and a growing
fire district, there are many challenges that we will
face together as a team, and our collective
willingness to accept change is key to our
successes. Over the next few months your
Logistics Section team will be developing a plan
forward that will support the District’s mission,
vision, and values while integrating seamlessly
into each of the four strategies.
It is often stated that firefighters are predisposed to resist change because of the risk associated with it;
remember this cliché “The fire service is 150 years of tradition unimpeded by progress”. If our organization
and culture does not embrace change we are bound to lose more ground and remain stagnate. I encourage
every member to be involved in the processes of change and to be a positive part of the solution as we
begin this journey together and as one; I leave you with this quote from one of the fire services founding
fathers “When you’re finished changing, you’re finished” –Benjamin Franklin
Greater Naples Fire Rescue District
- Dedicated to our Community, Our Profession and Each Other -
October – December, 2015 Volume 2 – Issue 5
P. 7Professionalism ~ Integrity ~ Compassion
Finance Section By: Tara Bishop, Deputy Director of
Administration and Finance
Q: Besides Medical benefits are there any other benefits available to me from United Healthcare?
A: Yes!!!!! For instance - did you know that there is a Discount Program available to members for various
programs! Anytime Fitness, Discounts on top brands of Fitness Trackers such as Polar, Garmin, Jawbone
and more! Step One Foods program - a simple two-a-day program that can improve your health that is
scientifically formulated by a Mayo Clinic cardiologist. There are also special offers for LASIK discounts,
plus reduced pricing on NordicTrack, Curves International and Healthy Chef Creations.
So where do you find more information on these great discount programs? Just log on to your account at
www.myuhc.comOn the right side of the menu click on the Extra Programs & Discounts bar, then select United Health
Allies.
Help yourself make 2016 the Year of Good Health for yourself and your family!
Greater Naples Fire Rescue District
- Dedicated to our Community, Our Profession and Each Other -
October - December, 2015 Volume 2 – Issue 5
P. 8Professionalism ~ Integrity ~ Compassion
Fire and Life Safety DivisionBy: Shawn Hanson, Division Chief Of Fire &
Life Safety
ire & Life Safety (FLS) celebrated their new location by hosting an Open
House and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on October 20th. The event included
dignitary speakers, facility tours and was enjoyed by all. The geographic
location of the new facility plays an integral part in maintaining relationships
with Collier County personnel.
F
FLS staff had another very busy quarter with inspections, fire flows, fire extinguisher training, special
event fire watches, public education events and investigations. Sparky the Fire Dog was in attendance at
the Naples Boo at the Zoo event along with Inspector Aaron Stewart, Inspector Daniel Machin, and
Lieutenant Michael Cruz. Naples Boo at the Zoo was attended by more than 6,100 adults and children over
the 3 day period. Fire Plan Review staff continues to produce about 400 plans every month, creating a
minimum of 1,200 field inspection requests per month. The District will be hiring an additional inspector
within the next quarter to assist with the heavy demand for new construction inspections.
Please welcome the addition of Inspector Kristen King to the Greater Naples Fire Rescue District.
Inspector King has been training with LT Cruz in existing construction inspections. The existing
construction inspectors are responsible for an average of 225 inspections per month. We look forward to
Kristen having a successful career with the GNFD family.
Thank you to the Fire & Life Safety staff for all your hard work and doing so with a high level
professionalism.
Greater Naples Fire Rescue District
- Dedicated to our Community, Our Profession and Each Other -
October - December, 2015 Volume 2 – Issue 5
P. 9Professionalism ~ Integrity ~ Compassion
The Planning Section for Greater Naples Fire Rescue has been involved with
Research and Development, the Strategic Plan, and Emergency Preparedness.
The Research and development Branch continues to look at new, cost saving
innovative technology and processes. A new Performance Management System
has been reviewed and selected for District wide use. Leadership Training will
take place in January 2016 for all supervisors to provide the tools for using the
new system.
Planning SectionBy: Wayne Martin, MS, EFO
Deputy Director Planning Division
The Strategic Planning Branch has been reviewing the input from the entire district. Fire District staff
participated in a survey to show interest in becoming participants in the future of the Fire District. The
Strategic Plan lays out broad objectives to be met. Members can participate in the development and
implementation. In early 2016 groups will be formed to look at the strategies to implement the strategic
plan. The Branch will monitor the accomplishments and results and report on the progress.
The transition of Isles of
Capri Fire Rescue (ICFD)
into GNFD has been flawless.
Effective October 1, 2015 all
ICFD employees became
employees of Greater Naples
Fire Rescue. This brought on
six full time Firefighters,
The Planning Section has spent countless hours working on Incident Action Plans (IAP’s) for events and
activities. An IAP ensures that the District is using the Incident Management System on a regular basis. By
using an IAP for events when it is used for a large scale emergency the District will be very familiar with its
use.
As the Section responsible for the promulgation of Standard Operating Guidelines (SOG’s) and Policies
many hours are spent every month in the creation of new SOG’s. Input from the Governing Documents
Committee and Local 2396 has kept this important process moving.
Fact finding has taken place for future needs for Logistics, Fleet and Training needs of District. This effort
continues on identifying at least 10 acres of property in the County Road 951 and Interstate 75 corridor.
Drivers, and Lieutenants. One of the two firefighters that had been moved into the GNFD Firefighter
Apprentice program has gained Full Time status with the GNFD. Each Section of the GNFD stepped up to
make the transition smooth for the District and Collier County.
P.10
Greater Naples Fire Rescue District
- Dedicated to our Community, Our Profession and Each Other -
October - December, 2015 Volume 2 – Issue 5
Professionalism ~ Integrity ~ Compassion
Health & Safety
By: Brian Heath
Chairman- Health & Safety Committee
What do you want to look back and remember about 2016? Is this the year
you take your retirement health seriously? We all know the statistics about
post-retirement life spans; let’s be the generation that turns this around.
First and foremost, the responsibility for your health lies on you. The
district provides many tools to assist us in maintaining a healthy lifestyle,
but we must choose to take advantage of these tools.
Thomas Warren (retired Providence Rhode Island) gives some great
suggestions for improvement in his article, Meaningful fire service health
and safety is within our grasp.
Warren states, “The two main areas of concern to prevent firefighter deaths
are apparatus accidents and poor physical conditioning, which often leads
to heart attacks” (2012).
Some basics that are still worth noting to help prevent apparatus incidents….
-ALWAYS WEAR YOUR SEATBELT, follow all SOG;s and traffic laws, Stop at all red lights, never
assume you have the right-of-way, maintain a safe driving speed, only back-up when necessary, and use
spotters when available.
We all know the way to improve our health; exercise, eat right, plenty of sleep, etc. The question is – do
you want to change what you see in the mirror and on the report from your annual physical?
Let’s make 2016 our year. Set goals – NOT resolutions (they never last)
Eat healthy- at home and at the firehouse (cooking and eating together is team-building)
Exercise – working out as a crew also is team-building, and having a work-out buddy will help you stay
motivated to reach your goals. Exercise also helps to reduce stress. If you aren’t sure how to get started
feel free to ask any member of the Health and Safety Committee, we will be happy to assist you.
AND ALWAYS WEAR YOUR SEATBELT- on and off duty!
Warren, T. (2012, Sept. 12). Meaningful fire service health and safety is within our grasp. Fire Engineering. Retrieved From:
http://www.fireengineering.com/articles/2012/09/meaningful-fire-service-health-and-safety-is-within-our-grasp.html
Greater Naples Fire Rescue District
- Dedicated to our Community, Our Profession and Each Other -
October - December, 2015 Volume 2 – Issue 5
P. 11Professionalism ~ Integrity ~ Compassion
By: Lieutenant Matthew C.
Trent, MPA, FO, MIFireE
Personal and Professional Development: Becoming a Credentialed
Company Officer
erving in the Company Officer role requires a certain set of attributes to meet job
performance requirements (JPRs), ranging from leadership and technical skills to performing
many supervisory and administrative functions. Additionally, Company Officers are
responsible for maintaining organizational continuity with the community and key
stakeholders, ensuring day-to-day operations remain affluent in the firehouse. So how does an
aspiring or current Company Officer maintain current skills, while seeking a continuous path
of personal and professional development? The answer may be Professional Credentialing.
S
What is Credentialing?
Through the Chief Fire Officer (CFO, Chief EMS Officer (CEMSO), Fire Marshal (FM), Chief Training Officer (CTO), and Fire
Officer (FO) professional designation programs, the Commission on Professional Credentialing (CPC) offers emergency services
personnel guidance for career planning and development and recognizes lifelong career excellence and achievement. A
Designation demonstrates that an individual has developed a strategy for continued career improvement and development.
The Fire Officer (FO) Designation Program allows current Company Officers to conduct a self-assessment, providing a list of
objectives and baselines that identify strengths and areas that are in need of improvement. The Center for Public Safety
Excellence (CPSE) helps the Company Officer understand those areas needing improvement—moving those areas into strengths.
Through a holistic view, the CPSE will evaluate the Company Officer using a criterion of seven components, ranging from what
the candidate has accomplished in training, additional roles they serve within their community, and areas that promogluate their
organization through administrative, leadership, and management-skill demonstration.
Benefits
The benefits of becoming a Fire Officer (FO) designee are defined through the CPSE as:
Demonstrating that an individual has developed a strategy for continued career improvement and development.
Highlighting professional and personal growth and providing an individual source of pride.
Developing a commitment to continuing education, training, and skill proficiency.
Improving the promotion and hiring process by enabling authorities to quickly identify individuals with superior skills,
knowledge, and abilities. 1
New Presence in the United States. Since 1918, the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) has fostered the ideal of societal benefit.
The United States of America Branch continues the tradition of fire service leadership as one of 60 branches worldwide and just
over 11,000 members. The IFE awards internationally recognized membership grades and fire-related qualifications on the
foundation of knowledge of fire and professional experience. Additionally, the IFE offers a path to career development through
progressive steps of IFE membership grades, further extending public and private sector contracts worldwide, and validation of
career professional development accomplishments. The benefits of joining the IFE include:
International recognition of competence and commitment.
Evidence of expertise.
Demonstration of a professional attitude valued by employers and customers.
Greater influcence with your own organization and industry. 2
Becoming a credentialed Fire Officer (FO) is more than just a designation—it is a commitment by an individual to maintain a
path of continuous personal and professional development—for the betterment of their organization, the community, and the fire
service initiative. For more information on these organizations, visit www.publicsafetyexcellence.org or www.ife-usa.org
Institution of Fire Engineers (2015). www.ife-usa.org
http://www.publicsafetyexcellence.org/
P.12
Greater Naples Fire Rescue District
- Dedicated to our Community, Our Profession and Each Other -
October - December, 2015 Volume 2 – Issue 5
In the Holiday Spirit
Professionalism ~ Integrity ~ Compassion
P.13
Greater Naples Fire Rescue District
- Dedicated to our Community, Our Profession and Each Other -
October - December, 2015 Volume 2 – Issue 5
Toy Drive Command
Professionalism ~ Integrity ~ Compassion
P.10
Greater Naples Fire Rescue District
- Dedicated to our Community, Our Profession and Each Other -
October - December, 2015 Volume 2 – Issue 5
Professionalism ~ Integrity ~ Compassion P.14
P.15
Greater Naples Fire Rescue District
- Dedicated to our Community, Our Profession and Each Other -
October - December, 2015 Volume 2 – Issue 5
Public Relations
Professionalism ~ Integrity ~ Compassion
P.16
Greater Naples Fire Rescue District
- Dedicated to our Community, Our Profession and Each Other -
October - December, 2015 Volume 2 – Issue 5
Professionalism ~ Integrity ~ Compassion
Feedback from our Customer Satisfaction Surveys
“…The team was courteous and discreet in their approach
and handling of the incident. I am somewhat embarrassed to
have made the 911 call but without the E23 team I am
unsure how I could have dealt with the situation…”
“…One of them sat down with me on the
couch and slowly talked me down from what
was quickly heading to a full blown panic
attack. I can't thank these guys enough. I
was so stupid and yet they never treated me
the way I feel I deserved to be treated.
Instead they are were kind, patient,
professional and extremely proficient.”
“…I just knew we were getting ready to lose
everything and the worst thing was we couldn't "find"
the problem so all we could do was wait for the fire
department and pray. They arrived so fast and were
such calming influences…”
“Very compassionate
and understanding. My
husband has dementia
and they were very
patient and concerned
for him. He had fallen,
luckily not hurt. I am
so appreciative of their
help.”“My husband was having
severe respiratory distress and
it was such relief to see the
rescue unit arrive so quickly,
assess, and treat before they
left for the hospital. I was
confident he was in good
hands and was able to drive
myself to the hospital.”
“My 2 yr. old
grandson was locked
in the car at the
library. Engine 72,
A Shift, to the
rescue! Can't thank
the firemen enough!”
“AS A RETIRED BATT
CHIEF FOR THE CITY OF
CHICAGO FOR 40 YEARS
, I CAN TRULY SAY THE
RESPONSE TEAM WAS
BY FAR, EXTREMELY
PROFESSIONAL AND
CARING. YOU CAN BE
VERY PROUD OF THE
MEN AND WOMAN OF
THE GREATER NAPLES
FIRE DISTRICT.”
“I feel they did an
outstanding job in
responding to my
husband's needs.
Fast, professional &
courteous. They are a
true asset to your
organization.”
“Most comforting,
competent,
concerned and
knowledgeable. So
glad to have these
professionals in
our community.”
P.17
Greater Naples Fire Rescue District
- Dedicated to our Community, Our Profession and Each Other -
October - December, 2015 Volume 2 – Issue 5
Professionalism ~ Integrity ~ Compassion
Check out our Social Media Outlets
Stay updated with current events! Did you know
Greater Naples Fire Rescue District has
Instagram, Facebook and Twitter Accounts? Give
us a follow!
instagram.com/greaternaplesfire
https://twitter.com/GN_Fire
https://www.facebook.com/Greater-Naples-Fire-Rescue-District
You can also stay informed by visiting our website at www.greaternaplesfire.org.
*Be sure to sign up for the Chief’s Weekly Email Update on our website or Facebook page.
P.18
Greater Naples Fire Rescue District
- Dedicated to our Community, Our Profession and Each Other -
October - December, 2015 Volume 2 – Issue 5
Building New Traditions
Professionalism ~ Integrity ~ Compassion
In tradition of the fire service, Ladder 21, Water Tender 20 and Engine 75
received their formal “Wet Down” and “Push Back” as was done in the early
days of horse drawn steam engines. These were the first such events for the
Fire District in an effort to bring the rich traditions of the past to the new
organization.
P.19
Greater Naples Fire Rescue District
- Dedicated to our Community, Our Profession and Each Other -
October - December, 2015 Volume 2 – Issue 5
Employee Awards and Recognition
Professionalism ~ Integrity ~ Compassion
Nicole Chesser-10 year Service Award
Ray Kilmer- 10 year service award
and Driver Engineer Promotion
Tony Palermo and Chris Citak- Driver Engineer Promotions
DC Shawn Hanson- 10 Year Service Award
Chris Rossi- Lieutenant Promotion
Commissioner McMahon- 15 years of Service
FF John Fickey- Eagle Award
Sons of the American Revolution Awards- FF David Perez, FF Stephen
Thigpen, Lt. Robert McGowan, Acting Lt. Jarett Cotter
Name: Kevin Collins
Job Title: Firefighter / Paramedic
Hire Date: December 14, 2014
Interests: Watching my UCF Knights and Miami Dolphins
football, hanging out with family and friends, and learning
everything I can about this career!
Hobbies: Working out and staying fit, traveling to different
countries, and playing sports.
Can’t Live Without: My Family and friends!
Employee Spotlight
Greater Naples Fire Rescue District
- Dedicated to our Community, Our Profession and Each Other -
P. 20
Name: Debbie Schwarz
Job Title: HR Specialist- Headquarters
Hire Date: September 2, 2008
Interests: Rocks and Minerals - collecting, tumbling and
creating art to wear
Hobbies: Growing Orchids, Planning trips to exotic
destinations, Vegan Cooking adventures
Can’t Live Without: My family
Our Newest Team Members at Greater Naples Fire Rescue District
Professionalism ~ Integrity ~ Compassion
October - December, 2015 Volume 2 – Issue 5
Pictured L to R: Chief Schuldt, FF Mike Zmejkoski, FF Chris Mercier, DE Tim
Garner, Lt. Tom Purcell, AC Sapp Pictured L to R: Division Chief Hanson, Inspector
Kristen King, Chief Schuldt, AC SappNot pictured: Lt. Jason Michel, DE Chris Tomei, FF John Fickey
Employee News
P. 21
Greater Naples Fire Rescue District
- Dedicated to our Community, Our Profession and Each Other -
October - December, 2015 Volume 2 – Issue 5
Professionalism ~ Integrity ~ Compassion
CondolencesOur prayers are with the following families:
Rob Low Family
Jose Santana Family
Just Arrived!Welcome our newest family members:
Ariah Clara born to Jordan Sauerwald and Ashley on October 15, 2015
Mario Josue and Liyah Giselle born to Mario and Greta Castaneda on Dec. 1, 2015
Dakota Paige born to Paul and Felicia Pernak on November 29, 2015